Method for vehicular heatstroke prevention

ABSTRACT

A passive vehicular heatstroke prevention system monitors carbon dioxide (CO2) and infrared (IR) energy levels to determine whether a child is present inside a closed vehicle, and, if so, monitors the temperature in the vehicle and, if the temperature in the vehicle exceeds at least one preset critical value, automatically lowers the temperature in the vehicle and contacts the driver/caregiver and/or emergency personnel. The system detects the presence of a child in the closed vehicle by detecting a critical level of carbon dioxide in the air within the vehicle, while monitoring the interior vehicle temperature and takes corrective action to prevent the temperature from exceeding a preset value, such as by activating the vehicle&#39;s air conditioning unit and lowering the vehicle&#39;s windows, as well as contacting the driver/caregiver and/or emergency personnel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/369,531, filed Dec. 5, 2016, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/262,822, filed Dec. 3, 2015,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/300,508, filed Feb. 26,2016, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a device for preventing infants,young children and animals from dying of heatstroke when left unattendedin a closed vehicle on a warm, sunny day. In particular, the inventionrelates to a passive vehicular heatstroke prevention system whichmonitors the conditions within a vehicle to determine whether a child oranimal is present inside the vehicle, and, if it is determined that oneis present in the vehicle, take necessary steps to prevent heatstrokeand death.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Babies and young children, as well as animals, can die from heatstrokewhen left unattended in a closed vehicle at high environmentaltemperatures (this applies equally to any living, breathing being thatdoes not have the ability or cognition to open a vehicle door when itgets too hot). The driver, be it parent, grandparent, family member,friend or caregiver, either may forget that there is a baby asleep inthe back seat or may intentionally leave a sleeping baby or dog alone inthe back seat to run a “short” errand. Vehicular heatstroke may alsooccur when a child is playing in a locked, unattended vehicle.

On average, 37 children die each year from heatstroke when leftunattended in a closed vehicle (Null, J., “Heatstroke Deaths of Childrenin Vehicles”, Department of Meteorology and Climate Science, San JoseState University, http://noheatstroke.org (Dec. 1, 2016)). Guard andGallagher reported that heat-related deaths in young children in motorvehicles occur each year, throughout the country, and primarily duringthe summer months (Guard, A., & Gallagher, S. S., “Heat Related Deathsto Young Children in Parked Cars: an Analysis of 171 Fatalities in theUnited States, 1995-2002”, Injury Prevention. 11, 33-37 (2005)).Further, there have been 700 reported U.S. child vehicular heatstrokedeaths during the 19-year time period from 1998 through October, 2016(Null, 2016). Null also reported that nearly 75% of the deaths werechildren ages 2 years or less.

The internal temperature of a car can reach dangerous temperatureswithin minutes, even on a mild sunny day (Nixdorf-Miller, A., Hunsake,D. M., & Hunsaker III, J. C., “Hypothermia and Hyperthermia MedicolegalInvestigation of Morbidity and Mortality from Exposure to EnvironmentalTemperature Extremes”, Arch Pathol Lab Med. 130, 1297-1304 (2006)). Forexample, on a warm, sunny day, the greenhouse effect rapidly heats theair inside a closed vehicle to temperatures well in excess of the 104°F. (40° C.) life-threatening, core human-body temperature. At thispoint, severe hyperthermia resulting in heatstroke occurs, causing thebaby or young child to die. Moreover, these preventable deaths have evenoccurred on days when the temperature was less than 51° F. (Null, 2015).

McLaren, Null and Quinn (2005) described three phases of heat illness(McLaren, C., Null J., & Quinn, J. “Heat Stress form Enclosed Vehicles:Moderate Ambient Temperatures Cause Significant Temperature Rise inEnclosed Vehicles”, Pediatrics, 116(1), e109-e112 (2005)). The mildestform is heat stress, which is physical discomfort and physiologicstrain. McLaren et al. (2005) next describe heat exhaustion which theydefine as a “mild to moderate illness associated with dehydration and acore temperature ranging from 37-40° C.” (98.6-104° F.). Symptoms ofheat exhaustion include: intense thirst, weakness, anxiety, dizziness,fainting and headache (McLaren et al. 2005). The authors describe thethird phase as heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the core bodytemperature is greater than 40° C. (104° F.); the child is no longerable to regulate body temperature (Nixdorf-Miller et al., 2006). At thisstage, there are changes in the central nervous system, which results indelirium, convulsions, coma, and death (McLaren et al. 2005). Inaddition, babies and very young children are more at risk forhyperthermia (core body temperature greater than 40° C.) because oftheir limited thermoregulatory response to excessive heat(Nixdorf-Miller et al., 2006).

Sunlight and the greenhouse effect are responsible for heating theinterior of vehicles. When sunlight passes through the windshield andwindows of a closed vehicle, the sunlight heats the air and objects(e.g., dashboard, steering wheel, seat cushions, etc.) inside thevehicle (Nave, R., “Greenhouse Effect”, Department of Physics andAstronomy, Georgia State University,http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.eduhbase/thermo/grnhse.html (2015)).These objects, in-turn, radiate heat in all directions in the infrared(IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. IR radiation hasdifficulty passing through glass and, consequently, is reflected backinside the vehicle causing the temperature in the vehicle to risefurther (Nave, 2015). Furthermore, water vapor and CO₂ in the air withinthe car absorbs this IR energy and traps the heat inside the vehicle(UCSB ScienceLine, “Why is the inside of a car hotter than the outdoortemperature on a sunny summer day?”, University of California, SantaBarbara, http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=3882 (2015). Thistrapping of IR radiant energy, also known as the greenhouse effect,rapidly heats the air inside the closed vehicle. The interiortemperatures may easily surpass the 104° F. life-threatening, corehuman-body temperature. If there is an unattended child in a closedvehicle, severe hyperthermia resulting in heatstroke occurs and thechild dies.

As shown in McLaren et al., 2015, at page 111, the temperature rise dueto the greenhouse effect is a nonlinear function of elapsed time, withtwo-thirds of the rise occurring within the first 20 minutes. Regardlessof the original ambient temperature, each car showed a similar rate ofincrease. Thus, “even at relatively cool ambient temperatures, thetemperature rise in vehicles is significant on clear, sunny days andputs infants at risk for hyperthermia” (McLaren et al., 2015). TheStanford University study also observed an 80% temperature increasewithin the first 30 minutes with maximum internal temperatures at 60minutes (McLaren et al., 2015). The results of the Stanford groupcorrelates with documentation of heat-related deaths by Null (2015).Documented cases of child heatstroke deaths occurred where the ambienttemperature was as low as 51° F. (Null, 2015); two children died in ahigh altitude sunny climate when the outdoor temperature was merely 35°F. (Null, 2015).

The issue of children dying of heatstroke when left unattended in closedvehicles has captured the attention of the U.S. Department ofTransportation's (DOT) National Highway Transportation and SafetyAdministration (NHTSA). In July 2012, NHTSA published a detailedevaluation of products designed to prevent children up to 3 years of agefrom being left behind in closed vehicles—a scenario leading toheatstroke (Arbogast, K. B., Belwadi, A., & Allison, M., “Reducing thePotential for Heatstroke to Children in Parked Motor Vehicles:Evaluation of Reminder Technology”, Report No. DOT HS 811 632,Washington, D.C.: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The2012 NHTSA study evaluated reminder technology devices and found thesedevices to be inconsistent and unreliable in performance (Arbogast,Belwadi & Allison).

Since 2012, NHTSA has sponsored annual “Where's Baby? Look Before YouLock” awareness campaigns during warm-weather months to alert parentsand others to the dangers of heatstroke (http://www.acfhhs.gov). On Jul.31, 2015, NHTSA joined Safe Kids Worldwide as part of NationalHeatstroke Prevention Day to “urge parents and caregivers to take properprecautions to prevent child heatstroke tragedies in hot vehicles(www.nhtsa.gov).”

In addition, NHTSA released a new technical report in July, 2015providing a functional assessment of both add-on and integratedunattended child reminder systems (Rudd, R., Prasad. A., Weston, D., &Wietholter, K., “Functional Assessment of Unattended Child ReminderSystems”, Report No. DOT HS 812 187, Washington, D.C.: National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration). The 2015 NHTSA study found these devicesto function as expected (Rudd, Prasad, Weston & Wietholter). However,these devices are only effective if they are properly used, installed,and activated by the caregiver. In addition, they require the caregiverto take appropriate action to prevent a tragedy. Meanwhile, every year,children continue to die from vehicular heatstroke, even witheducational awareness programs and available reminder systems.

Previous solution attempts to address the problem of leaving anunattended child in a closed vehicle have included: awareness campaigns,sponsored by both government and private sector safety stakeholders, anddevices aimed at reminding the driver that a child has been left behindin the vehicle. Thus, prior solution attempts include mainly educationaland technological warning solutions.

Educational campaigns have been actively promoting awareness of thedangers of leaving unattended children in vehicles. Unfortunately, theyhave not been especially effective. Awareness campaigns include the 2012NHTSA's “Where's Baby? Look Before You Lock” annual campaign(www.acf.hhs.gov) and the 2015 Safe Kids Worldwide “Childhood InjuryPrevention Convention (www.safekids.org).” While promoting awareness isimportant, it is by no means fail-safe. Unfortunately, children continueto die from heatstroke each year. According to research performed by JanNull (2016) of San Jose State University, the number of U.S. childvehicular heatstroke deaths has not decreased since 2012. In 2011, therewere 33 vehicular heatstroke deaths. Since 2012, when education programswere initiated, there has been an average of 34.5 deaths per year. Inorder to tackle this problem more effectively, additional solutions mustbe implemented in conjunction with parent or caregiver education.

In recent years, numerous devices have appeared in the marketplace tohelp remind the driver/caregiver that a child is present in the backseatof the vehicle. These devices differ in the technologies employed.Several approaches have been proposed in recent years to remind thedriver that he/she has left a sleeping baby in the vehicle. Examplesinclude (1) a baby seat equipped with a sensor in the seat harness thattriggers a series of tones when the ignition is switched off and thebaby is still buckled in the seat, (2) a clip that is attached to thestrap on the baby seat which senses when the driver leaves the vehiclewithout the baby and then communicates an alert to an app on thedriver's smartphone, and (3) sounding an alarm when the vehicle key fobleaves the proximity of the vehicle. A shortcoming of all of the aboveapproaches is that they are all interactive, requiring action on thepart of the driver, and, in the case where the baby is intentionallyleft so the driver can run a “short” errand, the approaches arecompletely ineffective. In addition, current available devices cannothelp children at play who are trapped inside an unattended vehicle.

In July 2012, NHTSA evaluated 18 devices that would potentially preventheatstroke in children left unattended in vehicles. This study was donein conjunction with Center for Injury Research and Prevention at theChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pa. NHTSA published Reducing thePotential for Heat Stroke to Children in Parked Motor Vehicles:Evaluation of Reminder Technology, thus providing objective systematicevaluation of products available on the market (Arbogast, Belwadi, &Allison).

The 2012 NHTSA study identified and categorized, based on technology, 18heatstroke prevention devices. Eleven of the 18 devices werecommercially available. Of these, only three devices were chosen to beevaluated because they “had technology that sensed the presence of achild in a child restraint (Arbogast, Belwadi, & Allison).” These threedevices included: Deluxe Padded Safety Seat Alarm System (or SuddenlySafe Pressure Pad manufactured by Suddenly Safe “N” Secure Systems Inc.,Bensalem, Pa.), the ChildMinder Smart Pad (manufactured by Baby AlertInternational, Dallas, Tex.) and the ChildMinder Smart Clip(manufactured by Baby Alert International, Dallas, Tex.). A comparisonof the product features is listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Product Features of Unattended Child Reminder Devices (NHTSA2012) Suddenly Safe ChildMinder ChildMinder Type Pressure Pad Smart PadSmart Clip Location of Sensor Pressure pad in car Pressure pad in carBuckled chest clip on (Sensing Parameter) seat (1 sensor) seat (5sensors) harness of car seat Notification Source Key fob Key fob Key fobActivation of System Active - Active - Active - Driver turns switch Baseunit beeps Safety Clip beeps when to syncing position, when child isseated buckled to alert driver holds it adjacent to to indicate driverto to activate system and sensing pad to synchronize fob to synchronizekey fob activate activate system Notification Alarm sounds, key Alarmsounds Alarm sounds Method fob vibrates Range 6 to 50 ft 15 ft 15 ftPower Source Batteries Batteries Batteries Vehicle Interface None NoneNone

The sensing parameter in both the Suddenly Safe Pressure Pad and theChildMinder Smart Pad is a pressure/force in the child restraint. Thesensing parameter in the ChildMinder Smart Clip is a buckled chest clipon the child restraint. Each device was evaluated when the child wasfirst positioned in a parked vehicle. The devices were retestedfollowing a 25-minute commute. Both device activation and care givernotification were recorded.

These devices all operated as intended. Each product was designed toidentify the presence of a child in an unattended vehicle. Each onerequired activation at the time the child was placed in the childrestraint. The Suddenly Safe Pressure Pad required the driver toactivate the system upon placing the child in the car seat. Thus, it waspossible to use the car seat without activating the safety features.This problem was avoided with the ChildMinder Smart Pad and theChild.Minder Smart Clip, as the unit would beep until the key fob wassynchronized with the transmitter. All three of these devices arepresently on the market.

NHTSA researchers concluded that the tested devices were inconsistentand unreliable in their performance. The children often needed to berepositioned within their child restraints in order for the pressuresensors to detect their presence. In addition, there was difficulty withsynchronizing communication between the sensors and the key fobs.

Additional problems with these products include human error fromimproper installation, and the need to have functioning batteries. Thekey fob would also need to be present on all sets of keys designated forthat vehicle. In addition, placement of the pressure pad in the car seatwould need to be adjusted as the child grows in order for the sensors todetect the presence of a child. Caregivers could potentially have afalse sense of security.

A major drawback with these devices, however, is they all serve tosimply remind the driver that a baby or young child is present in thecar, and, as discussed above, such a reminder is ineffective when thedriver is aware that a baby or young child is present in the car anddoes nothing to actually prevent heatstroke from occurring or if thecaregiver is unaware that a child is inside the car.

Additional devices to avoid heatstroke mortality in unattended childrenleft in vehicles have become available since the 2012 NHTSA study. InJuly 2015, NHTSA published “Functional Assessment of Unattended ChildReminder Systems (Rudd, Prasad, Weston & Wietholter).” These car seatsystems included both add-on and integrated systems that alert thedriver/caregiver to the presence of a child in the vehicle.

The evaluation procedure studied car seat products designed for newbornsand children up to the age of three who use harness-based childrestraint car seats. Six commercially available car seat products weretested using standardized, anthropomorphic test devices (crash dummies)as surrogates for newborn, 1 and 3 year old children. The six car seatproducts included: the Aviso Child-in-Car Alert, ChildMinder Elite PadSystem, ChildMinder SoftClip, Forget Me Not, Suddenly Safe ‘N’ SecureWireless Child Protection System, and the True Fit I-Alert C685. Acomparison of the product features is listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Product Features of Unattended Child Reminder Devices (NHTSA2015) Suddenly Safe ‘N' Secure Forget Me Wireless ChildMinder Not ChildAviso Child- Elite Pad ChildMinder (Sunshine Protection True Fit I- Typein-Car Alert System SoftClip Baby) System Alert C685 Presence DirectDirect Indirect Direct Direct Direct Detection (flexible (pressure(buckled (pressure (pressure (pressure (Sensing sensing strip) pad)chest clip on pad) pad) pad) Parameter) harness) Notification VehicleKey fob Key fob Smartphone Key fob Smartphone Source Surroundings or Keyfob email Activation of Automatic Manual- Manual- Manual- Manual-Automatic- System Driver Safety Clip Smartphone: Driver App does notAutomatic presses beeps when driver slides need to be Manual button onbuckled to activates app switch on opened for (user transmitter alertdriver Key fob: fob to system to activation) to to synchronizes activatework. Car synchronize synchronize with system seat contains fob and foband transmitter accelerometer activate activate to detect car systemsystem in motion and pressure sensor to detect car seat occupiedNotification Mounted Alarm Alarm Smartphone: Alarm Smartphone: Methodspeakers sounds, sounds, Message sounds, Audible tone, within car LEDsflash LEDs flash display & key fob screen and car horn on fob on fobaudible tone vibrates message, Key fob: vibration audible alarm PowerSource 12 V Car Batteries Batteries Key fob: Batteries Removable Batterybatteries Rechargeable Smartphone: Battery charged battery Current YesYes Yes Yes Yes No Availability

The Aviso Child-in-Car Alert is an add-on system that interfaces withthe vehicle's power and horn. A sensing strip is placed under the carseat fabric cover. This sensing strip flexes under the weight of thechild, thus detecting the child's presence. The sensing strip isconnected to a control module mounted to the vehicle's interior. Thecontrol module includes electrical connections to the vehicle's 12Vpower and horn. The Aviso requires vehicle-level installation. It iscompatible with most types of car seats, but is not compatible withdetachable infant carriers. The Aviso notification system is activatedas soon as the vehicle power is shut off. If the child is leftunattended in the vehicle, a second alert in initiated at a fixeddelayed time of 9 minutes and 25 seconds. The car horn will notifybystanders that there is a child in the vehicle. However, dangerous lifethreatening temperatures can occur earlier than 9.5 minutes. Accordingto McLaren, Null and Quinn (2005), in the journal Pediatrics, theinterior vehicular temperature can reach 106° F. within 10 minutes.

The ChildMinder Elite Pad System, Forget Me Not, and Suddenly Safe ‘N’Secure Wireless Child Protection System are all add-on systems that relyon a fob for delivering notifications to the user. A pad is placed underthe car seat fabric cover in order to detect the weight of a child. Thepad is connected to a transmitter module, which is placed on the outershell of the car seat. The transmitter module and fob use replaceablebatteries. These systems do not provide an end-of-trip notification.During testing, NHTSA researchers recorded variability in theChildMinder Elite Pad System. In addition, the Forget Me Not add-onsystem has a second version which relies on a user's smartphone forBluetooth notification delivery. A specialized app must be installed andrunning on the smartphone. A problem with this system is that thespecialized app must be installed and running on the smartphone of allpossible drivers or caregivers. In addition, the app must be activatedat the time of use. NHTSA found this product to be reliable withreproducible results when tested. However, NHTSA did not take intoaccount realistic issues that involve proper and effective use by thecaregiver. These include factors such as the app being installed on eachof the individual phones of each caregiver for that child, and thecaregiver being in actual possession of his/her phone person with acharged and functioning battery with the phone and Bluetooth turned on.In addition, this device requires the caregiver to take appropriateaction in response to the notification, and is not effective for thecaregiver who leaves the child intentionally in order to run a quickerrand. Furthermore, this system is useless in the case of children whoaccidently get locked in vehicles during play, when the caregiver isunaware that a child is in the vehicle.

The ChildMinder SoftClip is an add-on system which relies on a fob fornotification delivery. A retrofit chest clip replaces the original carseat chest clip of the car seat harness; this chest clip contains atransmitter and closure switch. The chest clip transmitter module andfob both use replaceable batteries. The ChildMinder SoftClip and ElitePad System remain activated whenever a child is buckled into an infantcar seat, even when the infant carrier is not installed in the car seatbase within the vehicle.

The True Fit I-Alert C685 is a convertible car seat with an integratedcar seat monitor which relies on a user's smartphone for notificationdelivery. The car seat shell incorporates a control module and twoswitches that detect the weight of a child. The control module containsa rechargeable battery that must be removed from the car seat forcharging. The system relies on a Bluetooth connection with thesmartphone. A specialized app must be installed on the smartphone, whichwill function automatically. However, it would be necessary for allcaregivers of this child to install the app on their phones. (Themanufacturer is no longer producing this product anymore.)

NHTSA reviewed six different unattended child reminder systems. Overall,these products generally functioned as expected. These products focusedon children aged three or younger who could potentially be victims ofheatstroke. These systems also rely on the driver/caregiver to respondto the device and return to the vehicle for the child. The majority ofsystems also require correct installation and positioning of pressuresensors. In addition, these pressure sensor pads must be readjusted asthe child continues to grow. Lastly, most of these systems requiremanual activation in order to be used.

Since the 2015 publication from NHTSA, additional devices have come onthe market to prevent children from being unattended in vehicles. Mostof these are apps which require smartphones. These include: Kars4kidsSafety App, Don't Forget Your Baby App, Baby Reminder (I&E Applications)and Precious Cargo App. A new product using pressure sensor pads in thecar seat (Drivers Little Helper App) interacts with a smartphone and issimilar to the systems evaluated by NHTSA. The NFC Baby in Car Remindersticks to the phone cradle in your car and automatically activates theapp. Once activated, the app sends you a notification upon removing yourphone from the cradle. These apps are subject to the same problemspreviously described with devices that use smartphones.

In July 2015, Evenflo, a car seat manufacturer, launched a new car seat,the Advanced Embrace DLX with SensorSafe with reminder technology builtwithin the child restraint. The chest clip contains a sensor which isconnected to a transmitter within the car seat. The “system does notrequire Bluetooth, cellular or other devices”(www.evenflo.com/SensorSafe). The car seat plugs into the OBD II port.The battery lasts six years and emits a low battery alarm.

Currently, there are many available products on the market to remindcaregivers not to leave young children and babies unattended in avehicle, thereby reducing the potential for heatstroke. All of thesedevices are reminder systems and rely on proper use, installation andactivation by the caregiver. In addition, all these products requiretimely action and intervention on the part of the driver/caregiver toprevent a tragedy.

Furthermore, reminder devices are completely ineffective in preventing apotential tragedy in situations where the child has intentionally beenleft in the vehicle so the driver can run a “short” errand, or where thechild at play gets locked in a vehicle. There are no available systemsthat address this problem. In addition, the reminder devices functiononly for those caregivers who have purchased and installed them. Anoptimal system would be a passive system installed in all carsmanufactured in the future.

There is a need for a Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention System (VHPS),“The Heat-Free Car Life Saver,” that would not only identify a childleft unattended in a vehicle, but also detect high temperatures thatcould endanger the child, while having the ability to automaticallylower the temperature and alert the caregiver and/or emergencypersonnel.

Thus, although there are many products available on the market toaddress heatstroke prevention, they are all reminder systems and rely onproper use, installation, and action on the part of the caregiver. Thereare no products or devices that prevent severe dehydration, organfailure and death in children left unattended in a vehicle.

It is desirable to have a vehicular heatstroke prevention system whichwill detect the presence of a child, automatically lower the vehicularcabin temperature, and notify a caregiver and/or emergency personnel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a vehicular heatstroke prevention device or system whichmonitors carbon dioxide (CO₂) and/or infrared (IR) energy levels todetermine whether a human, such as a child or elderly person, or otherliving and breathing being, is present inside the vehicle, and, if it isdetermined that a living and breathing being is present in the vehicle,monitors the temperature in the vehicle and, if the temperature in thevehicle exceeds at least one preset critical value, automatically lowersthe temperature in the vehicle and/or opens the vehicle windows, andcontacts a caregiver and/or emergency personnel.

As described hereinbelow, the system described herein may be passive,eliminating the need for human intervention. It is designed to detectthe presence of a human, such as a child or elderly person, or animal inthe vehicle, by detecting a critical level of carbon dioxide in the airwithin the vehicle, and then by monitoring the interior vehicletemperature and taking corrective action to prevent the temperature fromexceeding a preset value. It is not required that the child be in achild restraint system (e.g., car seat) in order to function and,therefore, includes coverage of the “child at play” scenario.

In certain embodiments, the system has a sleep mode in which nodetection or monitoring is performed and an awake mode in whichdetection and monitoring is performed. In some embodiments, when thesystem herein is installed in a vehicle, the system wakes from a sleepmode each time the vehicle doors are closed and the vehicle engine isoff, and searches for the presence of a breathing person or animal, suchas a child, using one or more of the system sensors to detect infrared(IR) radiation and carbon dioxide (CO₂). If a breathing person oranimal, such as a child or pet, is not detected, the system returns toits sleep mode. If a child is detected, the temperature inside thevehicle is monitored. If the temperature rises to a preset value, thesystem controller activates the vehicle's air conditioning unit and/orlowers the vehicle's windows a small amount (e.g., an inch or a fewinches). Once the temperature rises to the preset value, the caregiverand/or emergency personnel will be contacted. When the temperature islowered to a second preset value, the vehicle's air conditioning unitshuts off, and the windows are raised. This process is repeated until avehicle door is opened or the engine is turned on. When a door is openedor the engine is turned on, the system returns to its sleep mode.

In certain embodiments, the vehicular heatstroke prevention systemcomprises a carbon dioxide sensor; an infrared sensor; a temperaturesensor; and a processor configured to: detect the presence of abreathing person or animal in a vehicle by monitoring carbon dioxide(CO₂) levels in the vehicle via the CO₂ sensor and/or infrared (IR)levels in a vehicle via the IR sensor; monitor a temperature (T) insidethe vehicle via the temperature sensor; and if T reaches or exceeds apreset value (T₁), activate the vehicle's air conditioning unit and/orlower at least one of the vehicle's windows.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to receive sensordata from one or more sensors of a group of sensors consisting of theCO₂ sensor, the IR sensor, the temperature sensor, a carbon monoxide(CO) sensor, a vehicle door sensor and an engine sensor. In certainembodiments, the processor is configured to evaluate the sensor data. Incertain embodiments, system further comprises a memory unit to store thesensor data.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to detect thepresence of a breathing person or animal when T reaches or exceeds T₁.In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to stop monitoringthe carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and/or the infrared (IR) levels in thevehicle when the presence of a breathing child or animal is notdetected.

In certain embodiments, the processor has a sleep mode in which nodetection or monitoring is performed and an awake mode in whichdetection and monitoring is performed.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to detect thepresence of a breathing person or animal while simultaneously monitoringthe temperature. In certain embodiments, the processor is configured toenter the sleep mode if no child or animal is present.

In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a vehicle doorsensor, and the processor is configured to detect when a door of thevehicle is opened or closed via the vehicle door sensor. In certainembodiments, the processor is configured to enter the awake mode whenthe doors of the vehicle are closed. In certain embodiments, theprocessor is configured to enter the sleep mode if the presence of abreathing person or animal is not detected.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to detect when theengine of the vehicle is turned on. In certain embodiments, theprocessor is configured to enter the sleep mode if the engine of thevehicle is turned on and configured to enter the awake mode if theengine of the vehicle is turned off.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to monitor thetemperature inside the vehicle if the processor detects the presence ofa breathing person or animal. In certain embodiments, the processor isconfigured to continue monitoring the temperature if T falls below T₁.In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to deactivate thevehicle's air conditioning unit and/or raise the vehicle's windows if Tdrops below a second preset value (T₂), wherein T₂<T₁.

In certain embodiments, T₁ is the maximum safe temperature forenvironmental conditions suitable for a newborn or young child, and maybe set at 95° F. or another designated temperature. In certainembodiments, T₁ is set at an appropriate temperature to assure thatactivation of the vehicle's air conditioning system at T₁ prevents Tfrom reaching harmful temperatures.

In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a carbon monoxide(CO) sensor, wherein the processor is configured to monitor carbonmonoxide (CO) levels in the vehicle via the CO sensor. In certainembodiments, the processor is configured to shut down the engine and/orlower at least one of the vehicle's windows if CO is detected in thevehicle. In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to continueto monitor CO levels when the engine is on, independent of thetemperature. In certain embodiments, the processor is configured tocontact the caregiver and/or emergency personnel if CO is detected inthe vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to, if needed, startthe engine of the vehicle prior to activating the vehicle's airconditioning unit and/or lowering at least one of the vehicle's windows.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to activate a hornor an alarm of the vehicle or an audible voice recording via a speaker,if the presence of a child is detected and the temperature exceeds apreset value (T₁).

In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a communicationsdevice, wherein the processor is configured, if T reaches or exceeds T₁,to send a communication via the communications device. In certainembodiments, the processor is configured to contact a driver/caregiverand/or emergency personnel via the communications device when T>T₁ andthe processor detects the presence of a breathing person or animal.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to be an add-on tothe vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a remote starter system. In certainembodiments, the processor is configured to use an on-board diagnostics(OBD) port to access the electrical system of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the invention itself, is more fully understoodfrom the following description of various embodiments, when readtogether with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a vehicular heatstroke prevention system,according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a flow diagram illustrating a vehicular heatstroke preventionmethod, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a flow diagram illustrating another vehicular heatstrokeprevention method, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a passive vehicular heatstrokeprevention method, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention systemfor cars with remote starters, according to an illustrative embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an add-on vehicular heatstrokeprevention method, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention systemfor cars using an OBD II (On-board diagnostics II) port, according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an add-on vehicular heatstrokeprevention method for cars using an OBD II port, according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements for clarity. Further, where consideredappropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures toindicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the present inventionare described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations anddetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present invention. However, it is apparent to one skilled in the artthat the present invention may be practiced without the specific detailspresented herein. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted orsimplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the vehicular heatstroke prevention systemdescribed herein is passive, eliminating the need for humanintervention. It is designed to detect the presence of a breathingperson or animal, such as a child or pet, in the vehicle, monitor theinterior vehicle temperature, and take corrective action to prevent thetemperature from exceeding a preset value. Although reference is made inthe discussion herein to a child in the vehicle, it should be understoodthat the discussion is also applicable to any breathing adult, pet oranimal.

In certain embodiments, the system is able to detect the presence of achild, whether awake or asleep, whether moving or stationary; monitorthe temperature inside the vehicle; if necessary, start the vehicle'sengine, and turn on/off the vehicle's air conditioning unit; lower/raisevehicle's windows; detect when a vehicle door has been opened or closed;detect when the vehicle's engine has been turned on/off; receive, storeand evaluate sensor data; and control and communicate with sensors andselected vehicle systems.

In certain embodiments, if deemed desirable, system functions could beincluded to announce the occurrence of an “event” via a variety ofnotification methods.

In certain embodiments, the system may also be able to play an audiblevoice recording either to the outside of the vehicle or to the vehicle'sdriver via the key fob or a smartphone app; activate the vehicle'shorn/alarm; send an alert to smartphone(s); and notify emergencypersonnel and provide GPS coordinates.

In certain embodiments, the present invention may use sensors to detectcarbon dioxide (CO₂) and/or infrared (IR) radiation in order todetermine the presence of a child in a vehicle.

According to UCSB ScienceLine (2015), every object emits energy at awavelength dependent upon the temperature of the object; people emitradiation in the infrared (IR) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Incertain embodiments, IR sensors may be used to detect radiation.

Typical passive IR sensors require movement and would not be applicablefor detecting a child who is stationary or asleep. The passive IR sensorworks by detecting temperature variations between human body surfacesand the surrounding environment (see Aiman Kiwan, “FAQ: The infraredmotion sensor.” Oct. 28, 2013, available athttps://www.ecnmag.com/article/2013/10/faq-infarared-motion-sensor).Passive IR sensors detect motion as a person or object moves in space.Passive IR sensors may function poorly in summer months (or in a closedvehicle in the sun) as there would be a smaller heat gradient betweenbody temperature and ambient temperature (Kiwan, 2013). Because PassiveIR sensors cannot sense motionless people, it would not be a good choicefor the present system. However, fortunately, there are newer productsavailable, which avoid these pitfalls.

In May 2013, OMRON Corporation, in collaboration with Japan's New Energyand Industrial Technology Development Organization, developedmicroelectromechanical (MEMS) thermal sensors (“OMRON Develops theWorld's First 16×16 Element MEMS Non-Contact Thermal Sensor for Use inHuman Presence Sensors Utilizing Wafer-Level Vacuum PackagingTechnology”, May 29, 2013, available athttp://www.omron.com/media/press/2013/05/e0529.html, 2013). Omron vacuumsealed the thermopiles within the chip, allowing the sensors to detect“greater temperature differences across metal contacts, thus increasingsensitivity (www.omrom.com, 2013). These IR sensors (e.g., OMRON D6Tseries, see “D6T MEMS Thermal Sensors: High Sensitivity EnablesDetection of Stationary Human Presence”,https://www.omron.com/ecb/products/sensor/11/d6t.html, 2015) are able todetect a stationary human presence and would, therefore, be able todetect an infant or child sleeping in its car seat.

The detection of carbon dioxide levels is based upon respiratoryphysiology. Inhaled air is known to contain 0.039% CO₂, while exhaledair contains 4.0% CO₂ (see Chapter 1: “The Air We Breathe”,http://www.mnstate.edu/marasing/CHEM/102/Chapter%20Notes/CH_01%20ho.pdf).If a breathing person or animal is present in a vehicle, then thedetected amount of CO₂ in the closed vehicle will increase with eachbreath. In certain embodiments, CO₂ sensors, which detect carbon dioxideconcentrations in the air, may be adjusted to sense when theconcentration of CO₂ in ambient air reaches a particular level, whichindicates that a live breathing person, such as a child, or animal, suchas a dog, is within the vehicle.

There are a variety of CO₂ sensors in the marketplace based on differentsensing technologies (e.g., electrochemical, IR and metal oxide). AUniversity of Texas study (Cao et al., “An Infant Monitoring SystemUsing CO₂ Sensors”, 2007 IEEE RFID Conference, Mar. 26-28, 2007,http://www.uta.edu/faculty/jcchiao/paper_download2/2007_RFID_Hung.pdf)evaluated these different types of CO₂ sensors in studying CO₂ infantmonitoring systems to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This studydocumented that CO₂ monitoring technology is able to detect smallchanges in concentrations of CO₂ during infant respiration. In certainpreferred embodiments of the system, an infrared CO₂ sensor may be used.

Certain current sensor technologies are able to objectively detect andmeasure both IR radiation and CO₂ levels.

In certain preferred embodiments, the temperature inside the vehicle ismonitored using a digital temperature sensor and/or by integrating thesystem's sensor with the vehicle's own interior temperature sensor. Forexample, the programmable digital thermometer, DS18B20, may be usedbecause of its compatibility with the Arduino microcontroller orRaspberry Pi, or other type of microcontroller/microcomputer or similardevice, and the fact that it has zero standby power and does not requirean external power source (www.maximintegrated.com, 2015).

In certain preferred embodiments, the system may also monitor levels ofcarbon monoxide and take steps to remedy a dangerous situation, such asturn on the vehicle air conditioning, lower the vehicle window, and/orturn off the vehicle engine, if it is on.

In certain preferred embodiments, a dedicated computer with a processorand software will receive, store and evaluate sensor data. An integratedprocessor/controller (microcontroller/microcomputer or similar device)will communicate with and control the sensors and the vehicle's systems(e.g., engine, air conditioner unit, windows, doors, etc.). An essentialpart of this functionality requires acceptance by and cooperation ofauto manufacturers to participate as stakeholders.

In certain embodiments, the system has a sleep mode in which nodetection or monitoring is performed and an awake mode in whichdetection and monitoring is performed. In certain embodiments, when thesystem herein is installed in a vehicle, the system wakes from a sleepmode when the engine is off, the vehicle doors are closed, and begins tosearch for the presence of a child. If a child is not detected, thesystem returns to its sleep mode. If a child is detected, thetemperature inside the vehicle is monitored. If the temperature rises toa preset value, the system controller activates the vehicle's airconditioning unit and may lower the vehicle's windows a small amount(e.g., an inch or a few inches). In some embodiments, for example wherethe system is installed in a vehicle with a belt-driven compressor, thesystem must first start the vehicle's engine in order to achieve fullair conditioner functionality.

Once the temperature rises to a critical threshold, the caregiver andemergency personnel will be contacted. Contacting emergency personnelserves two purposes—first, the welfare of the child is addressed, andsecond, this would serve as a deterrent for a caregiver intentionallyleaving the child unattended in order to run a quick errand.

When the temperature is lowered to a second preset value, the vehicle'sair conditioning unit shuts off, and the windows are raised. Thisprocess is repeated until a vehicle door is opened or the engine isturned on. When a door is opened or the engine is turned on, the systemreturns to its sleep mode.

As will be described hereinbelow, the Vehicular Heatstroke Preventiondevice and system may be provided in several embodiments. One suchembodiment is a completely passive system that can be installed by thecar manufacturer. Another such embodiment is an add-on system, which canbe adapted for any vehicle with an OBD II port (www.obdii.com), such ascars and light trucks manufactured after 1995.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicular heatstroke prevention system100, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention,illustrating the flow of data into the dedicated systemcomputer/controller and the output commands to activate various vehiclesystem functions. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicular heatstrokeprevention system 100 can include a dedicated central controller 101, avehicle door sensor 103, an engine sensor 105, an infrared a carbondioxide (CO₂) sensor 107, (IR) sensor 109, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor111, and a temperature sensor 113. Controller 101 may include aprocessor that is configured to operate in accordance with programmedinstructions, and a data storage (e.g., including one or more volatileor nonvolatile, fixed or removable, data storage or memory units).Controller 101 may be operatively connected to the vehicle's airconditioning system (a/c) 115, horn 119, and power window controller121, as well as to a communications device 117, which may be wireless.

The vehicle door sensor 103, the engine sensor 105, the CO₂ sensor 107,the infrared (IR) sensor 109, the CO sensor 111, and the temperaturesensor 113 can transmit information to the controller 101. Thecontroller 101 can transmit information to the vehicle's airconditioning system (a/c) 115, the communications device 117, the horn119, and the power window controller 121.

The controller 101 can receive, store and evaluate sensor data. Forexample, the controller 101 can detect the presence of a child (awake orasleep, moving or stationary) by monitoring the CO₂ and/or IR levels viathe CO₂ sensor 107 and IR sensor 109, respectively. The controller 101can monitor the temperature inside the vehicle via the temperaturesensor 113. The controller 101 can detect when a vehicle door has beenopened or closed via the vehicle door sensor 103. The controller 101 candetect when the vehicle engine is turned on via the engine sensor 105.

In certain embodiments, controller 101 has a sleep mode in which nodetection or monitoring is performed and an awake mode in whichdetection and monitoring is performed.

In some embodiments of the invention, the controller 101 can turn on/offthe vehicle's air conditioning unit 115 via the window controller 121.In some embodiments of the invention, the controller 101 can lower/raisethe vehicle's windows via the window controller 121. Vehicles with abelt-driven compressor require that the engine be started for the a/c tofunction, and some also require the engine be started for the vehicle'swindows to be raised/lowered. In some embodiments of the invention, thecontroller 101 can start the vehicle's engine and then turn on thevehicle's air conditioning unit 115.

In some embodiments of the invention, the controller 101 can play anaudible voice recording, e.g., to the outside of the vehicle, via asuitable sound or speaker system provided on the vehicle. In someembodiments of the invention, the controller can activate the vehiclehorn/alarm 119. In some embodiments of the invention, the controller 101can notify or alert emergency personnel and provide GPS coordinates, viacommunications device 117, such as by text to a mobile phone orsmartphone of the vehicle's driver or a caregiver, by call or text to a911 operator, by alert to an integrated key fob, or even an app on asmartphone or other electronic device, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 2A is a flow diagram illustrating a passive vehicular heatstrokeprevention method 200, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. This method will be described with regard to components ofthe system 100 as depicted in FIG. 1.

In operation 201, as shown in FIG. 2A, the central controller (e.g., thecontroller 101) can determine the temperature of the interior of thevehicle via a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 113). Inoperation 203, if the temperature inside the vehicle is less than apreset critical interior vehicle temperature T₁, such as 95° F., thenthe passive vehicular heat stroke prevention system (e.g., the system100) will continue to monitor the interior vehicle temperature. In someembodiments, the critical interior vehicle temperature T₁ can be set atwhatever temperature is appropriate to assure timely activation of thevehicle's air conditioning unit such that the air conditioning unit orlowering of windows can prevent the temperature from reaching atemperature that is determined to be dangerous, e.g., 104° F.

In operation 205, if the interior temperature of the vehicle reaches orexceeds the preset critical interior vehicle temperature, 95° F. in theexample shown, then the controller can activate CO₂ and/or IR sensors,e.g., CO₂ and IR sensors 107,109, to determine if a baby is present inthe vehicle (operation 206). In operation 207, if, based upon input fromCO₂ and/or IR sensors, there is no evidence of a baby being presentinside the vehicle, the controller can cease the CO₂ and IR sampling(operation 208).

In operation 209, if, based upon input from CO₂ and IR sensors, thepresence of a baby inside the vehicle is detected, then the controllercan do one or more of the following: turn on an air conditioner (e.g.,the air conditioner 115), crack/open the windows via a window controller(e.g., the window controller 121), sound an audible alarm by beeping ahorn (e.g., the horn 119), send an alert as discussed above via acommunications device (e.g., the communications device 117), or anycombination thereof (operation 210).

In some cases, however, the time between the detection of the criticalinterior vehicle temperature T₁ and the activation of the vehicle's airconditioning system or lowering of windows is too long, even when thecritical interior vehicle temperature T₁ is set sufficiently low, suchthat a baby present in the vehicle will suffer damage before theappropriate measures are taken to prevent it. Such a situation canarise, for example, in large vehicles, where the vehicle's interiortemperature may reach the critical temperature T₁ but the large vehiclecabin size delays the detection of the presence of a child by the CO₂and IR sensors by enough time such that the damage to the child mayoccur before the vehicle's interior temperature can be sufficientlylowered. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to simultaneously monitorthe CO₂ levels at the same time as the temperature.

FIG. 2B is another flow diagram illustrating a passive vehicularheatstroke prevention method 220, according to an illustrativeembodiment of the invention. This method will be described with regardto components of the system 100 as depicted in FIG. 1.

In operation 221, as shown in FIG. 2B, the central controller (e.g., thecontroller 101) can determine the presence of a baby or young childusing information from the CO₂ sensors and/or IR sensors (e.g., CO₂ andIR sensors 107 and 109, respectively). Simultaneously, the centralcontroller (e.g., the controller 101) will monitor the interiorvehicular temperature via a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperaturesensor 113). In operation 225, if, based upon input from CO₂ and IRsensors, there is no evidence of a baby being present inside thevehicle, the controller can then enter sleep mode (operation 227) and noaction is taken.

In operation 223, if, based upon input from CO₂ and IR sensors, thepresence of a baby inside the vehicle is detected, the controller willcontinue to monitor the interior temperature of the vehicle (operation229) via a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 113). Inoperation 235, if the temperature inside the vehicle is less than apreset critical interior vehicle temperature T₁, for example 95° F.,then the passive vehicular heatstroke prevention system (e.g., thesystem 100) will continue to monitor the interior vehicle temperature,CO₂ and CO (e.g., the carbon monoxide sensor 111) levels (operation227). In some embodiments, the critical interior vehicle temperature T₁can be set at whatever temperature is appropriate to assure timelyactivation of the vehicle's air conditioning unit such that the airconditioning unit can intervene prior to reaching a temperature that isdetermined to be dangerous (e.g., 104° F.).

In operation 231, if the interior temperature of the vehicle reaches orexceeds the preset critical interior vehicle temperature, for example95° F., and the CO₂ sensor detects the presence of a child, thecontroller (e.g., the controller 101) can do one or more of thefollowing (operation 233): turn on the vehicle air conditioning unit(e.g., the air conditioner 115), crack/open the windows via a windowcontroller (e.g., the window controller 121), sound an audible alarm bybeeping a horn (e.g., the horn 119), send an alert as discussed above,via a communications device (e.g., the communications device 117).

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a passive vehicular heatstrokeprevention method 300, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. This method will be described with regard to components ofthe system 100 as depicted in FIG. 1.

In operation 301, as shown in FIG. 3, the vehicular heatstrokeprevention system (e.g., system 100) first determines the status of theengine, wherein an engine sensor (e.g., the engine sensor 105) sends asignal to a central controller (e.g., the controller 101). In certainembodiments, controller 101 has a sleep mode in which no detection ormonitoring is performed and an awake mode in which detection andmonitoring is performed. If the engine is on, system can enter/maintaina sleep mode (operation 305). If the engine is off, the vehicularheatstroke prevention system moves on to operation 303.

In operation 303, once the vehicular heatstroke prevention systemdetermines that the engine is off, the system determines the open/closedstatus of the vehicle doors, wherein a vehicle door sensor (e.g., thevehicle door sensor 103) sends a signal to the central controller 101.If the vehicle door is open, the system can enter/maintain the sleepmode (operation 305). If the vehicle doors are closed, the system canwake from sleep mode and become activated, i.e., moves from sleep modeto awake mode (operation 307). In some embodiments of the invention,each time the vehicle doors are closed, the vehicular heatstrokeprevention system wakes from a sleep mode and begins to search for thepresence of a child.

In operation 309, the vehicular heatstroke prevention system checks forthe presence of a child in the vehicle. In order to make thisdetermination, the system can use sensors (e.g., the CO₂ sensor 107 andthe IR sensor 109) to detect carbon dioxide (CO₂) and/or infrared (IR)radiation, respectively. If no child is detected, the vehicularheatstroke prevention system can return to the sleep mode (operation305).

In some embodiments, the IR sensor is an OMRON D6T IR sensor. In someembodiments, the IR sensor is any IR sensor which can function at atemperature T₁ and detect the presence of a stationary child. In someembodiments, the temperature T₁ can be the maximum safe temperature forenvironmental conditions suitable for a newborn/young child.

In some embodiments, the system 100 and method 200 utilize an infraredCO₂ sensor to detect the presence of a child. In some embodiments, onecan determine the required sensitivity of the CO₂ sensors to detectvarious breathing beings, such as a child, in a vehicle for differentchild age groups and vehicle classes by obtaining interior volumes ofdifferent vehicle classes from Department of Transportation (DOT)specifications, and calculate CO₂ production rates during respiration inppm/min for newborns through age 3 (required age to remain in childsafety restraint). In some embodiments, the CO₂ sensors are chosen basedon based the above required sensitivity requirements and function at T₁.

If a child is detected, the temperature (T) inside the vehicle can bemonitored (operation 311) by a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperaturesensor 113) in order to determine if the temperature has exceeded apreset value, T₁. If the temperature has not exceeded T₁, thetemperature sensor can continue to monitor the temperature (T) in amonitoring mode. If T₁ has been exceeded, in operation 313, thecontroller can: activate the vehicle's a/c (e.g., the air conditioner115), partially open the windows via a window controller (e.g., thewindow controller 121), sound an audible alarm by beeping a horn (e.g.,the horn 119), or any combination thereof. In operation 315, thecontroller can send an alert as discussed above via a communicationsdevice (e.g., the communications device 117).

In operation 317, the controller can monitor the carbon monoxide (CO)levels inside the vehicle, such as by using a carbon monoxide (CO)sensor (e.g., the CO sensor 111). If the CO sensor does not detect acritical level of CO (operation 317), the system will continue tomonitor the CO level. If the CO sensor detects CO, the controller canimmediately shut down the engine and/or lower the windows (operation319), or, via a communications device (e.g., the communications device117), contact emergency personnel and/or a caregiver (operation 321).The system may also continue to monitor CO₂, CO, and temperature levelsin the vehicle (operation 323). In some embodiments, the CO sensor isany known CO sensor which meets certain sensitivity requirements andfunctions within appropriate temperature ranges.

When the temperature drops below a second preset level (T₂) which islower than the first preset level (T₁), the controller can turn off thea/c and/or the raise the windows (operation 325). The controller cancontinuously monitor the temperature inside the vehicle and can repeatsteps of method 300 as necessary, until a vehicle door is opened or theengine is turned on, or both, at which point the system can enter thesleep mode 305.

In some embodiments of the invention, the temperature T₁ is a maximumsafe temperature for environmental conditions suitable for anewborn/young child. In some embodiments of the invention, thetemperature T₂ is a safe temperature which is lower than T₁.

In some embodiments of the invention, optional system functions could beincluded to announce the occurrence of an event via a variety ofnotification methods.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention system400 for cars with remote starters, according to an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention system400 can include a dedicated central controller 401, a 12V port 405, acarbon dioxide (CO₂) sensor 407, an infrared (IR) sensor 409, a carbonmonoxide (CO) sensor 411, and a temperature sensor 413. Controller 401may include a processor that is configured to operate in accordance withprogrammed instructions, and a data storage (e.g., including one or morevolatile or nonvolatile, fixed or removable, data storage or memoryunits). Controller 401 may be operatively connected to the vehicle's airconditioning unit (a/c) 415, and horn 419, as well as to communicationsdevice 417, whereby the 12V port 405, carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensor 407,infrared (IR) sensor 409, carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 411, andtemperature sensor 413 can transmit information to the controller 401,and the controller 401 can transmit information to the vehicle's airconditioning unit (a/c) 415, communications device 417, and horn 419.

The add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention system 400 shown in FIG. 4may differ from the passive vehicular heatstroke prevention system 100shown in FIG. 1 by not sensing the open/closed status of doors orwindows and by not controlling the windows. The add-on vehicularheatstroke prevention system 400 may also be dependent upon the car'sremote starter system.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an add-on vehicular heatstrokeprevention method 500, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. This method will be described with regard to components ofthe system 400 as depicted in FIG. 4.

In operation 501, the vehicular heatstroke prevention system (e.g., thesystem 400) first checks on the status of the engine, and, in order tomake this determination, a 12V port (e.g., the 12V port 405) sends asignal to a central controller (e.g., the controller 401). In certainembodiments, controller 401 has a sleep mode in which no detection ormonitoring is performed and an awake mode in which detection andmonitoring is performed. If the engine is on, the vehicular heatstrokeprevention system can enter/maintain a sleep mode (operation 505). Ifthe engine is off, the system can wake from sleep mode to an active modein which it becomes activated (operation 507). In some embodiments ofthe invention, the controller system may be plugged into the 12V port atall times.

In operation 509, the vehicular heatstroke prevention system firstchecks for the presence of a child in a vehicle, and to make thisdetermination, it can use sensors (e.g., the CO₂ sensors 407 and/or theIR sensor 409) to detect carbon dioxide (CO₂) and infrared (IR)radiation, respectively. If a child is not detected, the vehicularheatstroke prevention system can return to the sleep mode (operation505).

If a child is detected, a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperaturesensor 413) can monitor the temperature (T) inside the vehicle(operation 511) to determine if it has exceeded a preset value, T₁. Ifthe temperature has not exceeded T₁, the temperature sensor can continueto monitor the temperature (T) in a monitoring mode. If T₁ has beenexceeded, in operation 513, the controller can: activate the vehicle'sa/c unit (e.g., the air conditioner 415), sound an audible alarm, suchas by beeping a horn or alarm via an external speaker (e.g., the horn419), or any combination thereof. In operation 515, the controller canalso send an alert as discussed above via a communications device (e.g.,the communications device 417).

In operation 517, the controller can monitor the carbon monoxide (CO)levels inside the vehicle, such as by using a carbon monoxide (CO)sensor (e.g., the CO sensor 411). If the CO sensor does not detect acritical level of CO, the system will continue to monitor CO level. Ifthe CO sensor detects CO, the controller can immediately shut down theengine (operation 519), or, via a communications device (e.g., thecommunications device 417), contact emergency personnel and/or acaregiver (operation 521). In operation 523, if the CO sensor detectsCO, the controller can continue to monitor CO₂, CO, and temperaturelevels in the vehicle.

If the temperature drops below a second preset level (T₂) which is lowerthan the first preset level (T₁), the controller can turn off the a/cand/or the raise the windows, and sound the horn or send othernotification (operation 525). The controller can continuously monitorthe temperature inside the vehicle and can repeat steps of method 500 asnecessary, until the engine is turned on, at which point the system canenter the sleep mode 505.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention system600 for cars using an OBD II port, according to an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention system600 can include a dedicated central controller 601, a vehicle doorsensor 603, an OBD II port 605, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensor 607, aninfrared (IR) sensor 609, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor 611, and atemperature sensor 613. Controller 601 may include a processor that isconfigured to operate in accordance with programmed instructions, and adata storage (e.g., including one or more volatile or nonvolatile, fixedor removable, data storage or memory units). Controller 601 may beoperatively connected to the vehicle's air conditioning unit (a/c) 615,horn 619, and power window controller 621, as well as to communicationsdevice 617. The vehicle door sensor 603, the OBD II port 605, the CO₂sensor 607, the infrared (IR) sensor 609, the CO sensor 611, and thetemperature sensor 613 can transmit information to the controller 601,and the controller 601 can transmit information to the vehicle's airconditioning unit (a/c) 615, the communications device 617, the horn619, and the power window controller 621.

The add-on vehicular heatstroke prevention system 600 can use the OBD IIport 605 to access the electrical system of the car. Use of system 600may require a simple, one-time installation by attaching the sensorunits (e.g., CO₂ sensor 607, IR thermal sensor 609, CO sensor 611 andTemperature Sensor 613, which can be provided individually or combinedinto one sensor unit) of the system 600 and attached anywhere inside ofthe vehicle, e.g., to the ceiling or elsewhere, and plug in a wirelessvehicular heatstroke prevention system 600 into the OBD II port 605.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an add-on vehicular heatstrokeprevention method 700 for cars using an OBD II port, according to anillustrative embodiment of the invention. This method will be describedwith regard to components of the system 600 as depicted in FIG. 6.

In operation 701, the vehicular heatstroke prevention system (e.g., thesystem 600) first checks on the status of the engine, and, in order tomake this determination, a OBD II port (e.g., the OBD II port 605) sendsa signal to a central controller (e.g., the controller 601). In certainembodiments, controller 601 has a sleep mode in which no detection ormonitoring is performed and an awake mode in which detection andmonitoring is performed. If the engine is on, the vehicular heatstrokeprevention system can enter/maintain a sleep mode (operation 705). Ifthe engine is off, the vehicular heatstroke prevention system moves onto checking the opened/closed status of the vehicle doors (operation703).

In operation 703, the system checks the opened/closed status of thevehicle doors, and, in order to make this determination, a vehicle doorsensor (e.g., the vehicle door sensor 603) sends a signal to the centralcontroller 601. If the vehicle door is open, the vehicular heatstrokeprevention system can enter the sleep mode (operation 705). If thevehicle doors are closed, the system can wake from sleep mode andbecomes activated (operation 707). In some embodiments of the invention,each time the vehicle doors are closed, the vehicular heatstrokeprevention system wakes from a sleep mode and begins to search for thepresence of a child.

In operation 709, the vehicular heatstroke prevention system checks forthe presence of a child in a vehicle, and to make this determination, itcan use sensors (e.g., the CO₂ sensor 607 and/or the IR sensor 609) todetect carbon dioxide (CO₂) and infrared (IR) radiation, respectively.If a child is not detected, the vehicular heatstroke prevention systemcan return to the sleep mode (operation 705).

If a child is detected, a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperaturesensor 613) can monitor the temperature (T) inside the vehicle(operation 711) to determine if it has exceeded a preset value, T₁. Ifthe temperature has not exceeded T₁, the temperature sensor can continueto monitor the temperature (T) in a monitoring mode. If T₁ has beenexceeded, in operation 713, the controller can: activate the vehicle'sa/c (e.g., the air conditioner 615), partially open the windows via awindow controller (e.g., the window controller 621), sound an audiblealarm, such as by beeping a horn or alarm via an external speaker (e.g.,the horn 619), or any combination thereof. In operation 715, thecontroller can also send an alert as discussed above via communicationsdevice (e.g., the communications device 617).

In operation 717, the controller can monitor the carbon monoxide (CO)levels inside the vehicle, such as by using a carbon monoxide (CO)sensor (e.g., the CO sensor 611). If the CO sensor does not detect acritical level of CO, the system will continue to monitor CO levels. Ifthe CO sensor detects CO, the controller can immediately shut down theengine (operation 719), and/or lower the windows, or via acommunications device (e.g., the communications device 617), contactemergency personnel and/or a caregiver (operation 721). In operation723, if the CO sensor detects CO, the controller can continue to monitorCO₂, CO, and temperature levels in the vehicle. In some embodiments, theCO sensor is any CO sensor which meets certain sensitivity requires andfunctions within appropriate temperature ranges.

If the temperature drops below a second preset level (T₂) which is lowerthan the first preset level (T₁), the controller can turn off the a/cand/or the raise the windows and stop the horn or other notification(operation 725). The controller can continuously monitor the temperatureinside the vehicle and can repeat steps of method 700 as necessary,until a vehicle door is opened or the engine is turned on, at whichpoint the system can enter the sleep mode 705.

Thus, a vehicular heatstroke prevention system for preventing infants,young children and animals from dying of heatstroke when left unattendedin a closed vehicle on a warm, sunny day has been provided. In addition,the CO safety feature will also prevent CO poisoning and death, even insituations when the system is not needed to lower the temperature of thevehicle.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can bepracticed by other than the described embodiments, which are presentedfor purposes of illustration and not limitation. In addition, differentembodiments are disclosed herein, and features of certain embodimentsmay be combined with features of other embodiments, such that certainembodiments maybe combinations of features of multiple embodiments.Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur tothose skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention tothe exact construction and operation shown and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for preventing heatstroke by aliving person or animal in a vehicle, the method comprising: detectingif an engine of the vehicle is off and, via a vehicle door sensor, ifall doors of the vehicle are closed, if the doors are closed, monitoringchanges in carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the vehicle via a CO₂ sensorto thereby detect the presence of a breathing person or animal in thevehicle; after the presence of a breathing person or animal in thevehicle has been detected by the CO₂ sensor, monitoring a temperature(T) inside the vehicle via a temperature sensor; and if T reaches orexceeds a preset value (T₁), activating the vehicle's air conditioningunit and/or lowering at least one of the vehicle's windows.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising stopping to monitorchanges in the carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the vehicle when thepresence of a breathing person or animal is not detected.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising monitoring changes in carbondioxide (CO₂) levels in the vehicle to thereby detect the presence of abreathing person or animal while simultaneously monitoring thetemperature (T) inside the vehicle.
 4. The method according to claim 3,wherein a processor is configured to receive sensor data from one ormore sensors of a group of sensors consisting of the CO₂ sensor, thetemperature sensor, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, the vehicle doorsensor and an engine sensor, and is configured to perform the steps ofclaim 1, wherein the processor has a sleep mode in which no detection ormonitoring is performed and an awake mode in which detection andmonitoring is performed, and wherein the processor is configured toenter the sleep mode if the presence of a breathing person or animal isnot detected.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a processor isconfigured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors of a group ofsensors consisting of the CO₂ sensor, the temperature sensor, a carbonmonoxide (CO) sensor, the vehicle door sensor and an engine sensor, andis configured to perform the steps of claim 1, wherein the processor hasa sleep mode in which no detection or monitoring is performed and anawake mode in which detection and monitoring is performed, and whereinthe processor is configured to enter the awake mode when the doors ofthe vehicle are detected to be closed.
 6. The method according to claim5, wherein the processor is configured to enter the sleep mode if thepresence of a breathing person or animal is not detected.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein a processor is configured to perform thesteps of claim 1, wherein the processor has a sleep mode in which nodetection or monitoring is performed and an awake mode in whichdetection and monitoring is performed, and wherein the processor isconfigured to enter the sleep mode if the engine of the vehicle isturned on and to enter the awake mode if the engine of the vehicle isturned off.
 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingcontinuing to monitor the temperature if T falls below T₁.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 8, further comprising deactivating the vehicle's airconditioning unit and/or raising the vehicle's windows if T drops belowa second preset value (T₂), wherein T₂<T₁.
 10. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) levels inthe vehicle via a CO sensor.
 11. The method according to claim 10,further comprising shutting down the engine and/or lowering at least oneof the vehicle's windows if CO is detected in the vehicle.
 12. Themethod according to claim 10, further comprising continuing to monitorCO levels when the engine is on, independent of the temperature.
 13. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the processor is configured tocontact the caregiver and/or emergency personnel if CO is detected inthe vehicle.
 14. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingstarting the engine of the vehicle, if needed, prior to activating thevehicle's air conditioning unit and/or lowering at least one of thevehicle's windows.
 15. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising activating a horn or an alarm of the vehicle or an audiblevoice recording via a speaker, if the presence of a child is detectedand if T exceeds T₁.
 16. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising sending a communication to a driver/caregiver and/oremergency personnel via a communications device, if the presence of achild is detected and if T exceeds T₁.
 17. The method according to claim1, wherein T₁ is set at 95° F. or another designated temperature. 18.The method according to claim 1, wherein T₁ is set at an appropriatetemperature to ensure that activation of the vehicle's air conditioningsystem at T₁ prevents T from reaching a third preset value (T₃), whereinT₃≥T₁.
 19. The method according to claim 1, wherein T₁ is a maximum safetemperature for environmental conditions suitable for a newborn or youngchild.
 20. Software for preventing heatstroke by a living person oranimal in a vehicle, the software comprising programmed instructions,which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: detect ifan engine of the vehicle is off and to detect, via a vehicle doorsensor, if all doors of the vehicle are closed, if the doors are closed,monitor changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the vehicle via a CO2sensor to thereby detect the presence of a breathing person or animal inthe vehicle; after the presence of a breathing person or animal in thevehicle has been detected by the CO2 sensor, monitor a temperature (T)inside the vehicle via a temperature sensor; and if T reaches or exceedsa preset value (T1), activate the vehicle's air conditioning unit and/orlower at least one of the vehicle's windows.